Groundwater misuse: Huda cracks whip on builders

Implementing the Punjab and Haryana High Court order banning the use of groundwater for construction, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) is all set to take strict action against erring builders.

Implementing the Punjab and Haryana High Court order banning the use of groundwater for construction, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) is all set to take strict action against erring builders.

The civic body has given ultimatum to those builders whose construction work is underway to submit their water source details by Tuesday.

The step has come after SS Dhillon, financial commissioner, Haryana government, inspected construction sites on Saturday. During inspection, seven to eight builders were found using groundwater. All these sites are located along the southern peripheral road (SPR).

"We have asked the builders to submit details of their water use soon," said a senior Huda official adding that if the developers do not submit the information, they will face strict action, which may include cancellation of licence.

The main objective of Huda is to find out whether the builder is using groundwater, canal water or treated sewage water for construction purposes.

Meanwhile, the civic body has formed team of engineers and experts for inspecting construction sites and take action against those found violating court's order from Wednesday.

On Sunday, officials held a meeting and were of the view that many builders from Sector 58 to 115 were extracting groundwater.

"We've also asked builders to apply for treated sewage water from the two STP plants of Huda at Behrampur and Dhanwapur respectively," said a senior Huda official, adding that around 10 builders on Monday had applied for treated sewage water.